As state cuts back, Colorado college student costs soar

The cost of higher education in Colorado has shifted dramatically from taxpayers to students.

In 2000, Colorado taxpayers footed 68 percent of the costs of a college degree, with students chipping in about one-third.

Two decades and two recessions later, that ratio has nearly flipped.

After years of cuts, state lawmakers approved a 9 percent boost to higher education funding in next year’s budget. But tuition is still expected to rise.

That mirrors a nationwide trend. But in Colorado, the need is particularly great.

The state ranks the fourth lowest in the country in higher education spending. And by 2020, 74 percent of jobs in Colorado are expected to require a college degree or certificate.

Only 55 percent of Colorado adults have a degree or certificate today.